What is gender? Why is gender a requirement for identity? How did gender become so necessary in how we understand the world? Recent contributions of trans and gender non-conforming activists and scholars have fundamentally challenged core assumptions of gay and feminist politics: namely, that gender is a fixed and – indeed – useful concept. Is the goal simply equal rights for women or is it about challenging the very category of “woman” and “man” to begin with? In this interactive workshop we will explore transgender politics and theory to better understand not only experiences of harassment faced by trans and gender non-conforming people, but the violence inherit in gender itself.

Alok Vaid-Menon is an internationally acclaimed trans writer, entertainer, and public speaker. For the past decade they have worked with trans movements across the world. Known for their expressive poetry and biting comedy, Alok has emerged as a prominent voice in the transgender movement.

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Gaysi is a space where the Desi-Gay community comes together and shares personal stories, their triumphs and failures, their struggles and their dreams, their hopes and despair. And in doing so, gives other gaysis a sliver of hope too. More